When justice is done...

Reading

Prov 21:13-15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers
Mt 23:23-25 Justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done

Christian Unity

The religious leaders Jesus addresses in the Gospel passage have grown accustomed andcomfortable with the injustices of the world. They are happy to perform religious duties such astithing mint, dill and cumin, but neglect the weightier and more disruptive demands of justice,mercy and faithfulness. Similarly Christians have grown accustomed and comfortable with thedivisions that exist between us. We are faithful in much of our religious observance, but often weneglect the Lord’s challenging desire that all his disciples be one.

Challenge

How can local congregations support one another to withstand the opposition that may follow from doing justice?

Prayer

God, you are the source of our wisdom. We pray for wisdom and courage to do justice, to respond to what is wrong in the world by acting to make it right; We pray for wisdom and courage to grow in the unity of your Son, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, reigns forever and ever. Amen.